First, the NFL has become much more receptive to non-traditional quarterbacks. A few years ago, Manziel might have been considered too much of a risk. But with guys like Russell Wilson succeeding, Manziel enters a league that's ready to use his unique skill set.

He has also benefitted from a number of high-profile QB prospects staying in school. Both Oregon's Marcus Mariotta and UCLA's Brett Hundley went back to college for the 2014 season. At the time that they made their decisions, they were both considered better prospects than Johnny Football by the experts.